Winter Solstice Light Festival

Description

There are two solstices per year, but Nakarado cares more deeply about the Winter Solstice, as it is as the longest and darkest night of the year. In spite of this darkness, the people of Nakarado hold a festival in their villages and cities, with each one acting as if they are trying to outshine each other in piercing the darkness.
It is rather jubilant and lasts from the moment the sun sets to the moment the sun rises. Alcohol, drugs, and calorie-dense food is shared freely among the people and travelers alike, encouraging all but the youngest of children to stay up through the night. It is treated as if it is a collective effort by the community to "Beat back the Darkness".

Reason

It is said that after the end of the War of the Old Gods, the world was left in grievous ruin where the mortal species had to pick up the pieces. Winter was by far the most troubling and difficult times, but the predators of Nakarado were by far the most aggressive and successful the longer the nights waned. In order to beat back the darkness, it was customary to light a multitude of torches and create as much light as possible in order to deter the beasts.
When Nakarado developed sufficiently, the people began to take up their torches and weapons to pursue the beasts of the night, slaying them den by den until entire regions were rid of the predators that plagued them for centuries. Some beasts were more mighty and would annihilate entire villages, leading to larger territories, but the collective efforts of the strengthening Shogunate set forward the policy to do whatever it took to exterminate the beasts of old left behind by the old gods.

Foods

The traditional foods were typically salted meats and fish, as great harvests of these resources was essential originally necessary to survive the tough winters of Nakarado. But as things became easier, trade networks became more stable, and food preservation improved, a preference for grain and sugar-based products became very popular.
Gikushaku Shita (Jerky) is still remarkably popular this time of year but seen more as a staple rather than as a treat, but the cakes, pies, and pastries are far more prized and adored by the people today.
Activities
There are a multitude of games that are hosted ranging from varied competitions of strength, dexterity, endurance, survival, and medicine -- all skills that were considered essential to the hunts of old that liberated the people from the threat of the predators of winter and night.
In larger towns, massive structures of hay are brought together to appear as wolves, bears, tigers, snakes, and scorpions. They are often lit on the outskirts of their townships simultaneously when the night is darkest to represent the scope of the will of the people of Nakarado to resist the enemies of the night. As the structure is fully consumed, it is often fed with additional logs, even as the structure fails to maintain the fires till the first sun.
It is generally regarded as safe in night these days with the exception of the random bandit, but considered rather odd of people if they choose not to partake in the festivities.